Special Education Connections

A newsletter targeted to connect our families with news, resources, and important information for families whose children are accessing an IEP within Del Mar Union School District.

As part of our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) priority action, we are excited to share that most of our school sites will soon have a Special Education Parent Liaison available to support families.

These dedicated parents have participated in district-led learning and are eager to connect with you. Parent Liaisons will help families navigate district special education information while also being available to support families with connecting to the right points of contact for questions or concerns. Additionally, our Parent Liaisons may assist with supporting school-wide events, while working alongside school principals to foster an inclusive community.

If you would like to connect with your school's Special Education Parent Liaison, you will soon be able to obtain their contact information by reaching out to your site’s Administrative Office Assistant. We look forward to this exciting step in strengthening family partnerships and supporting our school communities!

Sycamore Ridge staff provided parents with valuable learning on Gestalt Language Processing, offering insights into how their child acquires and uses language. This knowledge empowers parents to better support their child's communication and development!

We recently completed our third learning session with our Special Education Parent Liaisons! These sessions have been a valuable opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen our partnership with families.

District leadership and parents recently engaged in learning with Marc Purchin, gaining valuable strategies to strengthen school-family partnerships and enhance student outcomes through NCCSE's virtual book club.

A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of parents, educators, and community members who are involved in special education. The CAC of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) provides meetings and special events throughout the year and advises the superintendents of the 14 school districts about special education services. Each meeting includes information on a special education topic, resources for families, and opportunities to meet with other parents to exchange resources, information, and ideas.

CAC Meetings, Agenda and Handouts

Important CAC Calendar dates for the rest of the school year:

• CAC Meetings: Business Items and Presentation 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Meeting Location:

The CAC meetings are at the North County Regional Education Center, 255 Pico Avenue, San Marcos, from 6 to 8 p.m. (subject to change).

Additional Events:

• Excellence in Special Education Awards Ceremony
  • Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m.

These are informative meetings/events and all parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.

Do you know a parent, administrator, teacher, other student, etc., who is making a difference in the life of a child with special needs? Thank that special someone with recognition through a nomination! You can nominate more than once for different categories.

Nominations must be received by March 14, 2025

The Awards will be presented at the NCCSE Community Advisory Committee Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2025, and all nominees will be independently notified about their nomination.

Nomination Form

As you know, we are offering a series of informative learning opportunities designed to support and empower families in understanding and addressing the diverse needs of their children. Each session is designed to provide valuable knowledge and practical tools to help support your child’s development and well-being.

If you would still like to register for one of the learning opportunities below, please email Justine Stacy at Jstacy@dmusd.org. To ensure we can accommodate all interested parents, please email Ms. Stacy for the learning sessions you would like to attend at least 1-week prior to each scheduled learning session.

1) Coffee Chat with Our BCBAs: Understanding Behavior as Communication and Reinforcement

• Date & Time: May 5, 2025, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am
• Location: District Office Training Room (Del Mar Union School District 11232 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130)
• Description: Join our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) for an engaging coffee chat where we will explore the concept of behavior as a form of communication. This session will delve into how reinforcement strategies can be effectively used to support positive behaviors.

2) Honoring Neurodiversity: Empowering Students with Knowledge of Their Disability

• Date & Time: March 24, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
• Location: Ocean Air MUR (Ocean Air School 11444 Canter Heights Drive, San Diego CA 92130)
  
• Description: This session, featuring Jessie Way, a neurodiverse learner and advocate for neurodiverse learners, will focus on the importance of understanding and honoring neurodiversity. We will discuss how recognizing and celebrating each student’s unique strengths can empower them. Families will learn strategies to help their children embrace their identities while gaining a deeper understanding of their disabilities through a lens of empowerment and self-awareness.

3) Supporting Sensory Regulation in Home and Community: A School-Based Occupational Therapist's Perspective

• Date & Time: March 4, 2025, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am
• Location: Ocean MUR (Ocean Air School 11444 Canter Heights Drive, San Diego CA 92130)
• Description: Discover practical strategies to support sensory regulation at home and in the community with insights from our school-based occupational therapists. This session will offer guidance on recognizing sensory needs and implementing techniques to help your child manage sensory input effectively, fostering a more comfortable and balanced daily experience.

AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC)- IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

FOR COMMUNICATION PARTNERS AT HOME AND SCHOOL

DE-ESCALATING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS: PARENT/CAREGIVER TRAINING FROM CRISIS

PREVENTION INSTITUTE

Designed for parents of children with aggressive, self-injurious behaviors, and those on the autism

spectrum, this program focuses on preventing crises rather than relying on physical interventions.

April 18, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m

During Parent-Teacher Conference Week, all families will receive their child's second trimester progress report. If you have any questions about the progress notes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's assigned case manager.

As we enter the third trimester, we want to express our appreciation for your partnership and dedication to your child's education. Your collaboration with the school team has helped build a strong foundation for their growth and success.

Thank you for your continued support—we look forward to a great final trimester!

District Website

Parent Handbook

Procedural Safeguards-English

Procedural Safeguards-Spanish

North County Consortium for Special Education

San Diego Regional Center

Exceptional Family Resource Center

Family Empowerment Center